Question

Read the following excerpt from "Gravity" by Judith Ortiz Cofer:

Minutes later she emerged from her room looking like a Mexican movie star. She wore a tight-fitting black satin dress with a low neck. . . . She had her hair up in a French twist to show off the cameo earrings her Jorge had given her for Christmas. Maria Elena was still a beautiful woman—though hopelessly behind the times.
Which statement best describes the intended aesthetic impact of this excerpt?
A. By referring to the earrings Jorge had given Elenita's mother, the author echoes the concept of wealth.
B. By describing Elenita's mother's beauty in detail, the author suggests that Elenita will emulate her, leaving the reader satisfied.
C. By having Elenita acknowledge her mother's beauty, the author softens Elenita's rebelliousness, leaving the reader hopeful.
D. By having Elenita compare herself to her mother, the author reinforces the story's theme of overcoming identity crisis.

Answer 1

C; By having Elenita acknowledge her mother's beauty, the author softens Elenita's rebelliousness, leaving the reader hopeful.

Answer 2

Answer: C. By having Elenita acknowledge her mother's beauty, the author softens Elenita's rebelliousness, leaving the reader hopeful.

In this excerpt, the narrator describes her mother's beauty. She tells us that her mother looked like a Mexican movie star, and that even though her fashion was behind the times, she was beautiful. This is a relief for readers, as  the narrator has often been rebellious. This acknowledges that things are not as bad as they seem, giving readers some hope for reconciliation.